By Monica Begum
Monica is from the West Midlands, and is currently working in the charity sector.
Nature lover, bookworm extraordinaire, and in hot pursuit of the white rabbit!
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Seven (people) will be shaded by Allah by His Shade on the Day of Resurrection when there will be no shade except His Shade. (They will be), a just ruler, a young man who has been brought up in the worship of Allah, a man who remembers Allah in seclusion and his eyes are then flooded with tears, a man whose heart is attached to mosques (offers his compulsory congregational prayers in the mosque), two men who love each other for Allah’s Sake, a man who is called by a charming lady of noble birth to commit illegal sexual intercourse with her, and he says, ‘I am afraid of Allah,’ and (finally), a man who gives in charity so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 6806)
Subhan’Allah, this is a very profound, beautiful hadith; and during these hot days, I found myself pondering upon it. I noticed a metaphorical link of how we seek the shade to cool down during the summer, and our lifelong pursuit of seeking and striving to attain Allah (SWT’s) shade on that Day, may He make us among them, Ameen.
During the hot seasons, as Muslims, we can find it particularly challenging, in more ways than one. It’s not just the issue of knowing what to wear while remaining modest, (especially for us women), but the incessant typical questions and dealing with people around us who can be quite problematic.
But knowing and learning about Allah (SWT), and Islam, can give us that reassurance and comfort to deal with all seasons of life, whether that’s the issues surrounding the highs and lows of the weather, or otherwise.
“Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.”
(Qur’an 13:28)
The struggle is a real one, but when we reframe, and remind ourselves of why and Who we are struggling for: our purpose, why we choose to cover up and obey Allah’s commands, trust Him, and strive for His prized pleasure and reward – it can fuel us, help us to maneuver what life deals us, and overcome the obstacles we may face.
Alhamdulillah, Allah (SWT) always does out of His immense love and mercy for us and tests us in ways to assess our belief and personal efforts. The tests are a sign of His love and mercy, despite how difficult they may seem at times.
Moreover, revert women are tested not only by the physical heat of summer, but also by the emotional heat of isolation, judgement, and misunderstanding.
Wearing the hijab can be especially difficult, not just because of the weather, but because of the Islamophobic remarks and mocking they may hear from friends or even family. Questions like, “Aren’t you too hot in that?”, or comments that undermine their faith can leave them feeling alone.
It’s these struggles and tests which can help us find harmony, through rekindling and developing our love and connection with Him and ultimately earn His pleasure and reward. Insha’Allah
“Do the people think that they will be left to say, “We believe” and they will not be tried?”
(Qur’an 29:2)
Allah (SWT) also always acts out of His infinite knowledge and wisdom. While we may be able to reflect on many beauties of our deen and deduct some reasoning through our limited comprehension. Ultimately, He knows best, and we can never truly know or understand His machinations. Subhan’Allah, we trust Him and have faith in Him, that He knows exactly what He’s doing.
He is the All-Knowing, All-Wise. “Allah is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Guardian; What an excellent Protector and what an excellent Helper.”
(Qur’an 3:173, and 8:40)
“And Allah has made for you, from what He has created, shadows and has made for you from the mountains, shelters and has made for you garments which protect you from the heat and garments [i.e., coats of mail] which protect you from your [enemy in] battle. Thus does He complete His favor upon you that you might submit [to Him].”
(Qur’an 16:81)
Subhan’Allah, though there may be others amongst us, less clothed and exposed, they will still feel the pangs of heat, and what’s more, as Allah (SWT) tells us in the above verse, our garments protect us. We even have extra protective clothing such as caps, umbrellas, and so on, which can further protect us from the potential harmful effects of the sun on our skin.
“So, which of the favours of your Lord would you deny?”
(Qur’an 55:61)
“If you are grateful, I will surely increase you (in favour) …
And if you should [try to] count the favours [i.e., blessings] of Allah, you could not enumerate them.”
(Qur’an 14:7 and 34)
Another practice which may help us, is to reflect on all the many great blessings and positives of this weather, even if it does feel too much to handle, at times. Alhamdulillah, we have access to water to keep us hydrated, cold drinks, as well as additional treats such as ice creams, lollies, foods, and then there are fans and air conditioning, clothes (plural!), and one of my personal favourites is how beautiful and radiant the flowers and nature are in this weather. I believe this is truly something to marvel at and such a wonderful treat to all our senses. Subhan’Allah. We are incredibly blessed and privileged to have access to all these precious gifts and more, whether they are realised or not, and there are many less fortunate amongst us who don’t have these.
May Allah (SWT) aid those who are oppressed, and in need across the world, may He guide us all to the right path and towards goodness, to do what’s in our ability and control, may He increase us in gratefulness, and protect us, may He grant us Afiya, and may we attain the ultimate honour of receiving His shade, Ameen.
